Varicella

Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is a disease that is very easily spread from person to person through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also be spread by touching the rash or fluid from the blisters. Anyone can get chickenpox although children and people with weak immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include aches, fever, feeling tired, sore throat and an itchy rash of blisters. After having chickenpox, the virus stays in the nerve cells of the body. If the virus becomes active again, it can cause shingles. Shingles is common in people 50 years of age and older. Shingles does not spread from person to person, but may cause chickenpox infection in susceptible people.

Healthcare Facilities & Services

New Jersey is home to over 2,000 licensed hospitals, nursing homes, and medical care facilities. The New Jersey Department of Health works to ensure that citizens receive appropriate levels of care in every regulated facility.